Red Bulls Learn Possible 2012 U.S. Open Cup Third Round Opponents

HARRISON, NJ (May 16, 2012) – The pairings for the Third Round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup were announced today by U.S. Soccer - the first stage of the knockout tournament involving 16 MLS teams including New York. On May 29, the New York Red Bulls will either host PDL side Reading United AC at Red Bull Arena at 7:00 PM or travel to Blackbaud Stadium to face USL PRO squad the Charleston Battery in Charleston, SC at 7:30 PM depending on the outcome of the Second Round match between Reading and the Battery on May 22 at Blackbaud Stadium.

The 99th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup includes a random selection process for determining home teams from the first round through the quarterfinals among clubs that have applied to host. The process, conducted by a coin flip, gives participating teams with venues meeting tournament standards an equal chance at hosting their possible opponent for these rounds.

The first round concluded on Tuesday, May 15, and all Division I, II and III professional clubs are participating in the tournament proper for the first time ever. The Division I field includes all 16 U.S.-based Major League Soccer teams, which is double the representation from the past five years and the first time since 2006 that all Division I teams are taking part.

All-time in U.S. Open Cup play, New York is 14-13. The Red Bulls are a perfect 4-0 in U.S. Open Cup play at Red Bull Arena. Last year, New York defeated USL-Pro side FC New York, 2-1, in the Third Round before falling to the Chicago Fire 4-0 in a Fourth Round match. New York’s best Open Cup campaign was back in 2003, when the club lost in the tournament final to Chicago.

New York is 0-2 all-time against Charleston in U.S. Open Cup play, getting knocked out in the Second Round on June 26, 2001, 4-1, and in the Fourth Round on July 20, 2004, 1-0. Both games took place at Blackbaud Stadium. New York has never faced Reading United in Open Cup action.

Created in 1914, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is the oldest soccer competition in the United States. The single-elimination tournament, which is similar to the prestigious English FA Cup, is open to all amateur and professional teams affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation (U.S.S.F).